Pep Guardiola gives clear verdict on Mauricio Pochettino sack calls

Pep Guardiola has shared his opinion on calls for Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino to be sacked.

Pochettino only took charge at Chelsea last summer, but his side have performed well below the level they were expected to this season.

The London club are currently ninth in the Premier League table having lost 10 times this season, and their hopes of playing European football next season are all but over.

Chelsea's last realistic hope of qualifying for the Europa League was through winning the FA Cup, but on Saturday they bowed out at the semi-final stage with a 1-0 defeat to Manchester City.

Though Chelsea were the underdogs heading into the tie, they spurned several clear chances and were arguably the better side.

Pochettino faced calls to be sacked by some sections of Chelsea's support this season, and he was booed after a 2-2 draw with Brentford last month.

Ahead of Saturday's game at Wembley, City boss Guardiola offered his support to Pochettino in his programme notes.

"There are so many top managers in England right now and Mauricio is definitely one of them," wrote Guardiola.

"Chelsea will become a far better team with him as manager. I have no doubts about that."

Chelsea faired pretty well against City in the Premier League this season, holding the reigning champions to 4-4 and 1-1 draws.

Pochettino has been under increasing pressure (Getty)

Pochettino's contract has another year left to run, but he has remained bullish despite the pressure he is under.

"We love a challenge," said Pochettino last month.

"The challenge is massive and I come here to accept the project and challenge, knowing it is never easy with the pressure and the feeling that you are Chelsea and you need to win."

With Cole Palmer enjoying a superb season with Chelsea - following his move from City last summer - it feels like Pochettino is building something at Stamford Bridge, albeit slowly.